Tripods

• Best overall: Ulanzi TT09 VideoGo

With premium carbon fiber construction, fast setup, smooth 360° ball head, and excellent stability, the TT09 strikes the perfect balance for most shooters.

• Best for portability: Ulanzi Zero F38

Weighing only 1.1 kg with a compact 16.7" foldable size, the Zero F38 packs impressive performance into an ultra-lightweight and mobile frame.

• Best for fluid maneuverability: Ulanzi Zero Y

With its innovative folding design and CNC-machined hemispherical head, offers extraordinarily smooth 360° panning, making it highly portable.

• Best for speed and sturdiness: Ulanzi TreeRoot

Constructed with a solid combination of M40 carbon fiber and aluminum alloy, the TreeRoot provides an unrivaled level of sturdiness while remaining ultra-portable at 1.5kg. It features the unique 1/3 Limited Quick-Lock system for fast leg adjustments and a Quick Release Center Column for fast height changes. Its 4-section legs make it ideal for rapid setups in rugged conditions, and its low minimum height of 16.8 cm enables it to get low enough for capture.

Most camera tripods have a standardized 1/4-inch screw, making them compatible with the majority of camera models, including DSLR, mirrorless, and compact cameras. It's important to check the tripod's weight capacity to ensure it matches your camera's specifications.

• Travel tripods: Lightweight and compact for portability. Good for backpacking and travel photography.
• Standard tripods: Offer versatility for different conditions while maintaining decent portability. A good all-rounder.
• Professional tripods: Heavy duty to hold large cameras and lenses. Provide maximum stability for studios and rigorous use.
• Mini tripods: Very compact and portable, good for casual use and travel. Can be tabletop or attached to objects.
• Monopods: Support and stabilize without restricting movement as much as tripods. Great for action shots.
• Phone Tripods: Specifically designed for smartphones, these tripods often come with adjustable mounts to securely hold various phone sizes.

Tripods improve photography by reducing camera shake for sharper shots. They allow for better composition, framing, and creativity by keeping the camera steady. Tripods enable you to capture images in low light through longer exposures. They are essential tools for photography techniques like timelapses, HDR, panoramas, and more.

Consider factors like:

• Stability: sturdy enough for your camera gear in expected conditions
• Height: extends to eye-level for comfortable viewing
• Weight: lighter if carrying for long periods
• Load capacity: supports total camera/lens weight
• Materials: aluminum or carbon fiber
• Price: budget-friendly to professional models